All Whites defenders set to return from injury ahead of World Cup

New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley has received encouraging injury updates as the World Cup approaches, with defenders Liberato Cacace and Michael Boxall both close to returning. Cacace, out since February with a hamstring issue, is back in full training at Wrexham and could feature this weekend. Boxall, sidelined for more than a month by an adductor strain, has been managed carefully by Minnesota United but is now fit enough to play, with Bazeley confirming he would be selectable if the tournament began today.

Captain Chris Wood has also returned for Nottingham Forest after a brief scare, while several squad members are nearing full fitness. Sarpreet Singh is close to recovering from a knee injury, and defenders Francis de Vries and Nando Pijnaker are expected to feature in Auckland FC’s finals campaign. Veteran winger Kosta Barbarouses should also be ready. New Zealand open their World Cup campaign on 15 June against Iran in Los Angeles.